Auditions for “James and the Giant Peach – TYA”

The Broadview Heights Spotlights will hold auditions for Roald Dahl’s James and the Giant Peach – Theatre for Young Audiences Version on Sunday, January 28 from 2:00PM – 5:00PM and Monday, January 29 from 7:00PM – 10:00PM. No appointment is needed, but auditioners must arrive one hour before the scheduled end time. Callbacks will be held the evening of Thursday, February 1, if needed. Auditions will take place at the Broadview Heights Cultural Arts Building, located on the Broadview Center Property, next to the Police Station, 9543 Broadview Road, Broadview Heights, OH 44147.

This production is the first show in the Spotlights’ new Theater for Young Audiences Series. This show is a one-hour adapted, child-audience-friendly version of the musical Roald Dahl’s James and the Giant Peach by Timothy Allen McDonald with music and lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (Dear Evan Hansen, A Christmas Story: The Musical, Dogfight, La La Land, and The Greatest Showman). The show will run on weekends (Saturday afternoons and evenings; Sunday afternoons) from March 17 – March 25.

The director, Tim Anderson, is seeking nine performers, eight teens/adults to play multiple roles (see breakdown below) and one talented child (boy or girl) for the title role.

Rehearsals will begin the week of February 5 and will typically run Sunday – Thursday evenings with some weekends, based on cast availability.

Those auditioning should:

Plan to attend only one night.

Prepare two musical theater songs (1 ballad, 1 up tempo), no more than one minute in length each. Songs from the show are acceptable.

Bring sheet music in the correct keys, hole-punched in a three-ring binder. Singers will not be permitted to sing a cappella. Songs from the show are acceptable.

*Note: Genders/Ages listed below refer to the characters, not necessarily the performers.

LadahlordA strange, magical storyteller. Often inserts himself into the story, in disguise, to help push the action forward.Gender: MaleAge: Any
Vocal range: A2 – A4

JamesA lonely young boy who lacks confidence. Having lost both his parents in a freak accident, he feels he belongs nowhere in the world. However, when given the right encouragement he becomes resourceful and innovative. A good friend.
Gender: MaleAge: 7 to 15Vocal range: C4 – G5

SpongeJames’ other mean aunt. Also a thief and a scoundrel, but not nearly as bright as her sister. She often has her mind on food.Gender: FemaleAge: 30 to 60Vocal range: F3- D5

SpiderA normal spider who has become human-sized after eating a crocodile tongue. Her husband was killed and eaten by Spiker and Sponge. She is warm and friendly to James. This actor also plays Woman with Purse and Reporter 1.Gender: FemaleAge: 20 to 40Vocal range: E3 – Eb5

Green GrasshopperA wizened grasshopper who has become human-sized after eating a crocodile tongue. An excellent musician. Has his eye on Ladybug. This actor also plays Mr. Trotter, Man with Wallet, and Garden Guild.
Gender: Male
Age: 20 to 40
Vocal range: B2 – Gb4

CentipedeAn ornery centipede who becomes human-sized after eating a crocodile tongue. Hates humans, in part because Spiker and Sponge fumigated his family. Prickly and rude, everyone thinks he is a pest. This actor also plays Buzz, the Hollywood agent.Gender: MaleAge: 20 to 40Vocal range: B2 – G4

Ladybug
A motherly ladybug who has become human-sized after eating a crocodile tongue. Respectable and classy, she has a warm, caring heart. Has her eye on Grasshopper. This actor also plays Matron Nurse and Reporter.
Gender: Female
Age: 30 to 60
Vocal range: E3 – F5

EarthwormAn earthworm who has become human-sized after eating a crocodile tongue. A bit of a scaredy-cat. He is neurotic and worried about everything, but is very friendly and brave when called upon. This actor also plays Bobby Cop and Bitzi Botana.Gender: MaleAge: 25 to 50Voca